Medications for ALS
| Riluzole (Rilutek) |
Baclofen (Lioresal) |
Rilutek reduces the release of glutamate in the nervous system. Rilutek is the only FDA approved drug for ALS patients at this time. Although medical journals state that it is an effective treatment for ALS, in reality it only extends life span by about 3 months, and there is no difference in mortality rates between Rilutek and non-Rilutek users. Rilutek is associated with some common side effects, which are:
- nausea
- dizziness
- decreased liver function
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- pneumonia
- vomiting
- vertigo
Rilutek is contraindicated with liver disease, and patients taking Rilutek must be closely monitored for liver function, since it causes
an elevation in liver enzymes. |
Lioresal is used to relieve stiffness in the limbs and throat. Severe adverse reactions have been documented which include cardiovascular collapse and seizures. Other side effects include:
- headaches
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- weight gain
- constipation
|
| Anti-Depressants |
| Certain anti-depressants may be used to control the production of excess saliva. |
Drugs to be Used With Caution or Not at ALL by People with ALS
Cholesterol Lowering Drugs (Statins)
Long-term use of statin drugs including Lipitor, Zocor and others may increase the risk of statin-induced polyneuropathy. By limiting the production of cholesterol, statin drugs may be causing membrane degeneration in neural and muscle tissue.
The Phizer web site for Lipitor lists "serious muscle side effects" as a side effect of this drug, but not as a cause of neuro-degenerative disorders. However, when patients experiencing this type of side effect go off the statin drug, many slowly recover.
Some of the symptoms associated with statin drugs include:
- facial weakness
- difficulty using the arms and hands
- difficulty using the legs and feet
- swallowing difficulty
- speech impairment
- difficulty walking
- decreased sensation or numbness in the limbs
- loss of muscle function
- sensations such as pain, burning or tingling
- joint pain
- fatigue
These side effects are almost identical to the symptoms of ALS. If you are experiencing these symptoms and have been taking a cholesterol-lowering drug such as Lipitor, see your doctor immediately. |
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